ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Myths Vs. Facts on COVID-19 mortality figures
Inferences drawn from comparison of HMIS and CRS data on Covid-19 deaths are fallacious and speculative
India has a robust system of recording Covid-19 deaths
There have been some speculative media reports claiming higher fatality figures due to COVID-19 based on data from National Health Mission’s Health Management Information System . The report compares data from the Civil Registration System  and HMIS to draw erroneous inferences. Such reports are conjectures and speculation without any substantial basis.
Citing the death numbers reported in the HMIS, the media report goes on to say that “In the absence of other information, these deaths should all be considered as Covid-19 deaths”. As per the media report itself ‘over 2,50,000 deaths were from causes not known’. Attributing any death to COVID-19 without any basis than based on empirical data is fallacious and such inferences are mere figments of imagination.
It is reiterated that the Union Government has been transparent in its approach to COVID data management and a robust system of recording all COVID-19 related deaths already exists. All States and Union Territories have been entrusted with the responsibility to update the data in this particular system on a continuous basis. In order to avoid inconsistency in number of deaths being reported, Indian Council of Medical Research  has issued ‘Guidance for appropriate recording of COVID-19 related deaths in India’ for correct recording of all deaths as per ICD-10 codes recommended by World Health Organisation  for mortality coding.
States and UTs have been urged through various formal communications, multiple video conferences and through deployment of Central teams for correct recording of deaths in accordance with the prescribed guidelines. Union Health Ministry has also regularly emphasized the need for a robust reporting mechanism for monitoring district wise cases and deaths on a daily basis.
It is a well-known fact that there shall always be differences in mortality recorded during a profound and prolonged public health crisis such as COVID pandemic and well conducted research studies on mortalities are usually done after the event when data on mortalities are available from reliable sources. The methodologies for such studies are well established, the data sources are defined as also the valid assumptions for computing mortality.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare meets Ms. Carola Schouten, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality of Netherlands
India & Netherlands discuss ways to strengthen partnership in agriculture and allied sectors
Union Agriculture Minister stresses on need for infusing modern technology in India’s agriculture with focus on making technology affordable to small and marginal farmers
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh today met Ms. Carola Schouten, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality, Netherlands in Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi and expressed his desire to further strengthen the existing partnership between the two countries in agriculture and allied sectors.
Shri Singh reiterated the Government’s resolve to double the income of farmers by 2022 and the initiatives taken & stressed on the need for infusing modern technology in India’s agriculture. He further added that Netherlands is a global leader in construction of greenhouses as well as in the cultivation of flowers, plants and vegetables, and the diversification of agriculture sector into areas like livestock and plant-cultivation sectors.”
Shri Singh expressed happiness at the regular convening of Joint Working Group, the 5th having been held in March 2018, where discussions on a wide range of issues took place and extended the Action Plan till 2021.
Union Agriculture Minister said a major success of the Indo Dutch collaboration has been the commissioning of the Centre of Excellence  for vegetables at Baramati in Maharashtra. The second CoE for flowers at Talegaon, Maharashtra will be ready soon. Others are in various stages of completion and the focus is on making technology affordable to the small and marginal Indian farmers.
Shri Singh said other identifiable areas of interest for further cooperation such as technology for crop residue management and cooperation in the field of bovine breeding; dairy development, animal health and porcine development etc. are also being looked into.
Ministry of Coal
Augmenting Coal Production to meet Growing Demand
In India, transition away from coal is not happening in foreseeable future. Although India is pushing for renewable/non-fossil based energy, but the share of coal in the energy basket is going to remain significant in years ahead. India is augmenting its coal production for meeting its increasing energy needs. Total coal consumption in India is yet to peak. The Economic Survey 2021-22 projects coal demand in the range of 1.3-1.5 billion tonnes by 2030 from the current level of about 1000 MT. It is projected that coal demand will continue to rise and may peak around 2040. Thus, despite thrust on renewable, coal is going to continue as a primary source of energy to meet the growing development needs of India.
: The details of the number of coal mines that have been closed/ discontinued/ abandoned between 2014 – 2022, State-wise is as given below :
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S No.
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State
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Number of Coal Mines
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1
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Assam
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3
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2
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Chhattisgarh
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17
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3
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Jharkhand
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29
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4
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Madhya Pradesh
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20
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5
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Maharashtra
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13
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6
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Odisha
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5
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7
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Telangana
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12
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8
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West Bengal
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26
This information was given by the Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Prime Minister's Office
Nagaland CM calls on the Prime Minister
The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri Neiphiu Rio called on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi in New Delhi today.
The Prime Minister Office tweeted;
"Chief Minister of Nagaland, Shri @Neiphiu_Rio called on Prime Minister @narendramodi."
Prime Minister's Office
PM chairs review meeting on COVID-19
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19.
Ways to further strengthen India’s preparedness were discussed. This includes further enhancing testing facilities.
Prime Minister emphasised on actively engaging with individuals, local communities and organisations in chalking our mechanisms to fight the COVID-19 menace. He also urged officials and technical exports to deliberate on the steps to be taken next.
Prime Minister expressed gratitude to all those at the forefront of combating COVID-19 including the various State Governments, medical fraternity, paramedical staff, armed and paramilitary forces, those associated with aviation sector, municipal staff and others.
Prime Minister will address the nation on 19th March 2020 at 8 PM, during which he will talk about issues relating to COVID-19 and the efforts to combat it.
Ministry of Defence
Challenges faced by Jawans at Siachen Glacier
The challenges faced by soldiers posted in Siachen Glacier stem from the peculiar terrain and weather conditions.The major challenges due to inclement weather conditions are reduced human body efficiency, bright sunlight leading to snow blindness, blizzards and white out conditions.The troops deployed at forward posts bear the risk of avalanches, crevasses on glaciated surfaces and have to negotiate Ice walls apart from facing the common ailments associated with high altitude and glaciated terrain.
The visit of dignitaries is always a big morale booster.The troops deployed in high altitude have always been given high priority and significant improvements have been made in equipment, clothing, rations, and Housing facilities.
This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Shripad Naik in a written reply to ShriC.M. Rameshin Rajya Sabha today.
Nampi/DK/HS
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Special Service and Features
Prof. A. Dinakara Rao, Pondicherry University receives the prestigious National Level ‘Eminent Scientist’ Award
Prof. A. Dinakara Rao, Department of Bioinformatics, Pondicherry University was Conferred with the prestigious ‘Eminent Scientist’ Award from the Society for Plant Research  for his contribution in Plant Sciences during the National Conference on “Recent Trends and Challenges in Plant Science and Research” at V.H.N Senthikumara Nadar Autonomous College held recently.
Prof. A. Dinakara Rao has been working in the area of Plant Molecular Biology and Bioinformatics for more than two decades and his research is focused on the plant functional genomics, oxidative stress, plant physiology and drug identification and development. His research group collaborates with other national institutions working actively on Identification and characterization of phytochemicals of important medicinal plant to identify the drug like molecules against Cancer, Oxidation, Inflammatory, Hypertension, Alzheimer’s, Bacterial and Fungal diseases.
Prof. A. Dinakara Rao has published more than 80 research papers in peer reviewed national & international journals. Under his supervision, 6 students were awarded Ph.D, who are all placed well in research positions around the globe and several M.Tech, and M.Sc., students have successfully completed the research projects. At present 5 research students are doing the research for their doctoral degree in his laboratory. He is the recipient of several National and International awards along with the best teacher award from Pondicherry University. He also received number of extramural grants from the funding agencies, DBT, UGC, DST, ICMR and CSIR to carry out his research work.
Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Gurmeet Singh and the colleagues of Pondicherry University has congratulated Prof. A. Dinakara Rao for receiving the prestigious award of Eminent Scientist in recognition of his excellent contribution in the field of Plant Sciences.
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Ministry of Defence
Visit of Air Marshal Shashiker Choudhary AVSM VSM ADC,AOC-IN-C MC to Base Repair Depot Air Force, Pune
Pune, 8 September 2021
Air Marshal Shashiker Choudhary AVSM VSM ADC, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Maintenance Command, IAF visited Base Repair Depot at Pune on 07 and 08 September 2021 alongwith Mrs Anita Choudhary, President Air Force Wives Welfare Association . They were received by Air Commodore KSS Prasad, Air Officer Commanding, Base Repair Depot and Mrs K Srilatha, President AFWWA .
The Air Marshal reviewed the tasks executed by the Depot and was briefed about the leading role played by the Depot in supporting various legacy as well as latest ground support systems. He appreciated the steps taken by the Depot towards achieving the goal of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, focused approach adapted towards indigenous developments, addressing complex repair of Avionics components through extensive use of Thermal Imaging Technologies, modern Automatic Test Equipment and Environmental screening. He also lauded efforts towards absorption of newer technologies and harnessing potential of Artificial Intelligence and Block Chain to enhance the maintenance and operations preparedness of IAF. Emphasising the need for building capacity and capability, and being self-reliant, the Air Marshal exhorted the air warriors of the Depot to innovate and engage with academia, local industries, and start-ups for identifying and developing home-grown solutions of operational importance.
The Air Marshal directed the personnel of the Depot to strictly follow Covid appropriate precautions to prevent infection and continue to strive hard to remain true to its name of ‘Karmveeras’.
Mrs Anita Choudhary was briefed about various initiatives and welfare activities carried out during the pandemic. She appreciated the enormous efforts put in by the Depot towards wellbeing of the personnel.PIB Pune /M.Iyengar/D.Rane
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Ministry of Communications
Digital Life Certificate for Pensioners
Department of Posts, Gujarat Circle, Ahmedabad appeals to all pensioners to apply for Digital Life Certificates for Pension from 01.10.2020 to 31.12.2020  & from 01.11.2020 to 31.12.2020 (for pensioners below 80 years. This facility is available in all 33 Head Post Offices of Gujarat Circle. All are requested to contact nearest Head Post Offices for registration with PPO Number, Adhar Number, Bank Account Number and Mobile Phone for OTP.
DK/MPasawala
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Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President takes up Andhra Pradesh farmers’ issues with Union Ministers
The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu today had a discussion with Shri Ramvilas Paswan, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare on the problems faced by paddy farmers in Andhra Pradesh.
Senior officials from the Food and Public Distribution Department and Food Corporation of India  also met and briefed the Vice President about the overall procurement scenario in the State.
Shri Naidu also asked them to look into reports regarding delayed payments, lack of timely procurement from paddy farmers and non-implementation of the FCI procurement norms which were leading to distress sale by farmers.
The officials assured that expeditious action would be taken to liaise with the State Government to address the farmers’ and millers’ problems and also to reimburse the dues to the state government as soon as possible.
The Vice President also spoke to the Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman and requested her to look into the issue of sanction of funds to the State Government.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
35.28 Cr. Vaccine Doses administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India reports 39,796 new cases in last 24 hours
India's Active Caseload declines to 4,82,071
Active cases constitute 1.58% of total cases
2,97,00,430 Total Recoveries across the country so far
42,352 patients recovered during last 24 hours
Daily recoveries continue to outnumber the Daily New Cases for the 53rd consecutive day
Recovery Rate increases to 97.11%
Weekly Positivity Rate remains below 5%, currently at 2.40%
Daily positivity rate at 2.61%, less than 5% for 28 consecutive days
Testing capacity substantially ramped up – 41.97 cr tests total conducted
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Hourly Update on Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm, ‘Fani’ over Northwest & Adjoining Westcentral Bay of Bengal
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DATE/TIME  OF OBSERVATION
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03-05-2019 
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LOCATION LATITUDE/LONGITUDE
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THE EXTREMELY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM “FANI” LAY CENTERED AT 1030 HOURS IST OF TODAY, 03rd MAY, 2019 NEAR LAT. 20.00N AND LONG. 85.80E OVER ODISHA COAST ABOUT 20 KM TO THE NORTH OF PURI AND 25 KM TO THE SOUTH OF BHUBANESWAR.
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CURRENT WIND SPEED OF THE CYCLONE
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165-175 KMPH GUSTING TO 190 KMPH.
PURI REPORTED MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WIND SPEED OF 142 KMPH GUSTING TO 174 KMPH 0730 HRS IST OF TODAY.
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FORECAST
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THE EXTREMELY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM “FANI” IS VERY LIKELY TO MOVE NORTH-NORTHEASTWARDS AND WEAKEN INTO A VERY SEVERE CYCLONIC STORM DURING NEXT 3 HOURS.
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
National E-Governance Plan in Agriculture
As of now, National e-Governance Plan in Agriculture  for funding to the states will continue.
Portal  has been developed to serve as one stop window for the farmers for accessing information on agricultural activities.
The Government has various digital initiative to modernize agriculture such as:
- Development of KisanSuvidha mobile application to facilitate dissemination of information to farmers on the critical parameters viz., Weather; Market Prices; Plant Protection; input Dealers  Farm Machinery; Soil Health Card; Cold Storages &Godowns, Veterinary Centres and Diagnostic Labs. With market information, farmers are better informed about markets to sell produce, prevailing market prices and quantity demanded in the market. Thus, they can make informed decisions to sell produce at the right price and right time.
- The Indian Council of Agriculture Research  has also compiled various mobile apps developed by ICAR, State Agricultural Universities and KrishiVigyanKendras and uploaded on its website. These mobile apps developed in the areas of crops, horticulture, veterinary, dairy, poultry, fisheries, natural resources management and integrated subjects, offer valuable information to the farmers, including package of practices, market prices of various commodities, weather related information, advisory services, etc.
- Launching of e-National Agriculture Market initiative to provide farmers an electronic online trading platform.
- Use of space technology for various programmes/areas such as Forecasting Agricultural Output using Space, Agro-meteorology and Land-based Observations project, Coordinated programme on Horticulture Assessment and Management using geo-informatics project, National Agricultural Drought Assessment and Monitoring System, Rice-fallow Area Mapping and Intensification, geo tagging of infrastructure and assets created under RashtriyaKrishiVikasYojana, and Crop Insurance.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Mines
India’s Mineral Production Goes up by 10 % in December 2022
Ten Important Minerals Indicate Positive Growth
Cumulative Growth During April-December 2022-23 at 5.4 %
The index of mineral production of mining and quarrying sector for the month of December, 2022  at 107.4, is 9.8% higher as compared to the level in the month of December, 2021, as per the provisional figures of Indian Bureau of Mines . At the same time, the cumulative growth for the period April-December, 2022-23 over the corresponding period of the previous year is 5.4 per cent.
Production level of important minerals in December, 2022 were: Coal 833 lakh tonnes, Lignite 35 lakh tonnes, Natural gas  2888 million cu. m., Petroleum  25 lakh tonnes, Bauxite 2272 thousand tonnes, Chromite 340 thousand tonnes, Copper conc. 10 thousand tonnes , Gold 174 kg, Iron ore 251 lakh tonnes, Lead conc.30 thousand tonnes, Manganese ore 307 thousand tonnes, Zinc conc. 137 thousand tonnes, Limestone 355 lakh tonnes, Phosphorite 170 thousand tonnes, Magnesite 9 thousand tonnes and Diamond 43 carat.
Important minerals showing positive growth during December, 2022 over December, 2021 include: Gold  , Phosphorite , Iron Ore ,Limestone,Manganese Ore, Coal, Zinc conc , Lead conc , Copper conc , and Natural Gas . Other important minerals showing negative growth include: Petroleum , Bauxite . Lignite,Chromite, Magnesite and Diamond.
Prime Minister's Office
Pariksha Pe Charcha is a vibrant forum for many issues relating to exams and life: PM
(The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has informed that insights from all Pariksha Pe Charcha's interactions can be found in a innovatively curated section of NaMo App.
In a tweet, the Prime Minister said;
"I enjoy interacting with our dynamic #ExamWarriors.
Pariksha Pe Charcha is a vibrant forum for many issues relating to exams and life.
Insights from all of these interactions can be found in this innovatively curated section on the NaMo App."
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
WTO reforms must be taken up by all member countries: Piyush Goyal
Commerce & Industry Minister addresses the South-South and Triangular Cooperation
The time has come to take on the policies of protectionism and unilateral measures by some developed countries that are having an adverse effect on global free trade and if this continues there will be recession in the world and no country will escape it, said Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Railways, Piyush Goyal.
He was speaking at an international dialogue on South-South and Triangular Cooperation today in New Delhi. Commerce and Industry Minister urged that all member countries must take up reforms of the WTO and not deal with issues in a piecemeal manner. We cannot afford to walk away from the current system but all member countries of the WTO must re-engage to ensure that the rule-based, transparent, and non-discriminatory governance that free-trade requires is taken forward honestly and in a non-discriminatory manner and keeping in mind the interests of different member countries with disparate GDP.
Piyush Goyal further stated that the policies of protectionism being followed by some countries in the developed world are affecting engagement between countries for trade in goods, services and protection of investments.
The aspirations of people cannot be held back for a better life: for sustainable growth of the seven billion people of the world and India is committed to the Sustainable Development Goals  and believes that peoples’ aspirations cannot be held back till 2030, said the Commerce and Industry Minister. India is not going to wait till 2030 to give access to energy, literacy and clean potable water to its people, India is fast-tracking its efforts to reach the SDGs to the last man at the bottom of the pyramid. India also desires that this pace of development reaches people in the rest of the world.
South-South cooperation is a broad framework of collaboration among countries of the South in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental and technical domains. Involving two or more developing countries, it can take place on a bilateral, regional, intraregional, or interregional basis. South-South cooperation is a manifestation of solidarity among peoples and countries of the South and the attainment of the goals of Sustainable Development.
Commerce and Industry Minister hoped that the South-South and Triangular Cooperation will help the developed world become a part of the developing world’s growth agenda.
Special Service and Features
A delegation from Kerala kick starts their Educational and Cultural trip to Uttar Pradesh
23 May 2023, Palakkad: A team of 45 delegates from Kerala and Lakshadweep has started their journey to Uttar Pradesh as part of the 'Yuva Sangam' initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat program. PPadma Shri Prof.T. Pradeep,  flagged off the journey from the Indian Institute of Technology  Palakkad to the host institute, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology , Allahabad.
The diverse cohort of 35 youngsters from Kerala and 10 from Lakshadweep, representing various fields, including arts, sports, and science, is accompanied by four staff and faculty of the IIT Palakkad. The team of 25 boys and 20 girls has a representation of students, employed and self-employed youth.
This visit, organized under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Yuva Sangam program, aims to promote education and cultural exchange between Kerala and Uttar Pradesh, fostering national integration. During their week-long visit, the delegates will explore different facets of the host state, focusing on tourism, traditions, languages, development, people-to-people connections, and technology.
The team will visit various industrial and cultural places like Kashi, Allahabad Museum, Chandrashekhar Azad Park, visit the industrial hub IFFCO in Phulpur and NTPC, Meja etc.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles deaths in Vadodara accident
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has expressed deep sadness over the deaths in an accident at Vadodara.
In a tweet Shri Modi said “Saddened by the accident in Vadodara. My thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones. Praying that the injured recover soon. The administration is providing all possible assistance at the site of the accident.”